Nicholas Hacko Watchmaker: The Seiko 'Star Taker'

The long anticipated 'new 62MAS' is here. Freshly arrived from Japan, this is possibly the most exciting watch of 2023.

But before we go further: this is a limited edition piece with only 1,300 watches delivered to boutiques and hand picked premium Seiko dealers.

And here are the 5 reasons why you should snatch it.

1. Great diver's story
Introduced in 1965, 62MAS was the first Japanese divers watch. If you are not familiar with it's history, here is the link to follow: https://www.theseikoguy.com/seiko-62mas/

Highly revered and equally highly collectable, this is the kind of watch that any watch collector would want in his collection. And I am not talking just about the very first 1965 issue, but a later modern interpretation as well.

However, the SLA065J is even more special than its predecessors: it features a unique dial dedicated to an early marine navigation instrument know as an astrolabe. Invented by Greek mathematicians and astronomers, this navigational instrument was in use for centuries, helping seafarers to find their location. Essentially, it was "a handheld model of the universe". Its various functions also make it an elaborate inclinometer and an analog calculation device capable of working out several kinds of problems in astronomy. I just love the marine story, so cleverly integrated in the Seiko dial, hidden to the unsophisticated, yet obvious to the enlightened. For further reading: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrolabe

2. The finish is the best you can expect from modern horology. The undistorted mirror finish of Zaratsu coupled with a perfect grain of brush is something rarely seen nowadays even in top end Swiss watches. High class.

3. SLA065J is now fitted with an 8L35 movement. Again, this calibre is reserved to only the very top Seiko models. Reliable and accurate, decorated and fully repairable.

4. Made in Japan. Perfect.

5. There is no other watch in this price range that would offer such great value for money. For $4,500 you can't buy even a second hand Omega Seamaster. A brand new 'next generation' Seiko for less than a twenty year old mass-produced ETA watch with aluminium bezel insert? How is this even competition?

I will leave you with this thought: it's been two and a half years now since I've started selling Seiko watches. Apart from investing in our own manufacturing capabilities and making our own watches, joining the Seiko family was one of the best decisions ever. Seiko is just getting better and better, more exciting, more special. Every time a Swiss megabrand puts their prices up, Seiko gets more room to breathe, to innovate, to offer better value, to be more competitive. To offer YOU a better product and even better service. And make no mistake: it is just a matter of time before Seiko watches will receive the recognition they rightly deserve. Like ours, Seiko's time is yet to come.

Don't just take my word for it: invest in Seiko and you will have a watch you'll wear with pride and joy for decades.

SLA065J is priced at $4,500. One watch only.

Case size 41.3mm. Stainless steel case and silicon strap. Sapphire crystal. Blue dial. Automatic movement. Water resistance 200 metres. Limited edition - 1,300 pieces worldwide.